SHARE

iPad on sale Sunday at Grand Junction retailer

By {screen_name}
Friday, April 2, 2010

Apple’s latest invention to carry the “i” prefix goes on sale today, but Grand Junction shoppers will have to wait one more day to pick up theirs.

Although iPad tablet enthusiasts could drive to an Apple store (the closest ones are in Denver and Salt Lake City) or order the new gadget online today, those staying in town and offline can snatch up the device Sunday morning at Best Buy, 585 24 1/2 Road.

Best Buy employees will receive special training on iPad features this morning in time for the big debut, according to sales associate April Barr.

Barr said Apple has “been pretty hush-hush” about how many devices the store will receive, but Barr expects them to sell quickly. Locals began showing interest in the devices immediately after Apple CEO Steve Jobs first showed off the device in January, she said.

“People were calling left and right and coming in the store asking where it was. I was probably getting asked four times a day when it was coming out,” Barr said.

The iPad is a touch-screen device that can connect to the Internet, play and download music and videos, allow typing, access Google maps, and store books, contacts and calendar items. It weighs 1 1/2 pounds and measures 9.56 inches tall, 7.47 inches wide and half an inch thick. The devices sell for $499 or more, depending on how much memory a purchaser wants in the iPad.

The iPad available now works with a Wi-Fi internet connection only. The version capable of connecting to the Web through a Wi-Fi or 3G connection debuts later this month. The 3G-capable iPad will sell for $629 or more.